Why 'Danger (Been So Long)' Rocks and the Left Rolls Their Eyes

If there's a single tune that could unsettle the politically correct crowd quicker than a Tweet from a certain former president, it's 'Danger (Been So Long)' by Mystikal featuring Nivea. Dropped in the year 2000, this banger roared onto the music scene with all the subtlety of a fireworks display at a Greenpeace rally. Written by the always dynamic Michael Tyler (aka Mystikal) and Pharrell Williams, it was released as part of Mystikal's fourth studio album 'Let's Get Ready.' The track was recorded in the big, bold, uncensored land of the United States, a place some radicals wish would just cut its vocals entirely and let them do the talking instead.

Now let's move on to what makes this song a classic wealth of unapologetic energy. First off, Mystikal’s electronic growling and commanding presence isn't your everyday mumbling, incoherent noise some artists today dare to call rap. It's a throwback clearly influenced by the hyper-aggressive, yet refreshingly intelligible vocal style, the type where you actually get the lyrics and the message. His vocal intensity is a shot of reality in a world where some prefer sugar-coated everything.

The beat hooks you, not much like a fisherman catches and releases. Oh no, more like it catches you, pulls you in, and commands you to stay for the long haul. It’s catchy, infectious, and grips on tighter than government regulations in small business spheres. Pharrell’s production here shines like a beacon in a sea of monotonous sound-a-likes. It's no wonder the track landed in the top 20 of Billboard's Hot 100. It was the sound of the year, reverberating through clubs and car radios alike, long before the auto-tune catastrophe.

The allure of 'Danger (Been So Long)' is cemented by the vocals of Nivea, a girl-next-door powerhouse who complimented Mystikal’s controlled chaos with her smooth yet commanding voice, bridging the roughness with something a bit more polished. It's balance married with disorder, and isn’t that the essence of life?

Let's look at cultural impacts. Mystikal stands out not just as an artist but a representative of a different era. An era before some folks were offended by their own reflections. His bravado and swagger are seen as an eyesore to the ever-growing crowd that finds the straight-talking and bold personas just a smidgen too much. And isn't that what made us first sit up and take notice?

Then there’s the video, a quintessential example of early 2000s flair, full of bright colors, choreographed moves, and outfits that would probably make a few folks hide behind their oversized scarves today. Back then, it was nothing short of electric, arguably even iconic. It’s the very spice missing in today's bland salad bowl of interchangeable songs and generic beats.

Now, why does all this make 'Danger (Been So Long)' a thorn in the side of those who want all music to come with a warning label? Primarily it doesn't apologize for being raw, loud, sometimes irreverent, and yet so truly compelling. It waved an unabashed rallying cry for self-expression back then, something even more relevant now, as increasingly fewer voices speak out without running every word past a censor. It’s a reminder of a time when daring to be bold wasn’t just allowed; it was celebrated.

Finally, it's lasting power. After over two decades, the sound still amps up the energy in social gatherings next to a certain beverage some are trying to sideline. The unapologetic charm of 'Danger (Been So Long)' is its direct spirit, that fearless presence missing from so many aspects of art and expression today. Perhaps we are still drawn to it because it dares to be – just as it is. Call it nostalgia or just frank appreciation of originality, 'Danger (Been So Long)' keeps echoing, as relevant as ever.